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Ontario Bill 112

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.

June 08, 2023

In 2023, the Hazel McCallion Act (Peel Dissolution) was passed in Ontario, which dissolves The Regional Municipality of Peel and continues the cities of Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon as single-tier municipalities starting January 1, 2025. The Act also establishes a transition board appointed by the Minister to monitor and provide recommendations regarding the restructuring required for the municipality dissolution. The municipalities and their local boards must act in the public interest and not unreasonably impact another municipality when entering into a transaction before January 1, 2025. The transition board can direct a municipality or local board to take certain actions with respect to a transaction and the Minister can modify or terminate a transaction if the municipality or local board does not comply. The Act also provides immunity from personal liability in certain circumstances and allows the Minister to apply to the cou

in the public interest and have regard for the municipal restructuring required under the Hazel McCallion Act. This provision aims to ensure that decisions made during the transition period are made with the broader restructuring in mind and do not unfairly impact any of the municipalities involved. It promotes transparency and accountability in decision-making and helps to maintain stability and continuity for residents during the transition. By ensuring that decisions made during this period are made in the public interest and with a view to the broader municipal restructuring, the Act helps to ensure fair and effective governance for all residents of Peel.

in the public interest having regard to the municipal restructuring required for the purposes of section 2, including acting in a manner that does not unreasonably impact another municipality. This requirement may hinder the ability of these municipalities to make decisions that are in their own best interest, as they must consider the impact on other municipalities. It may also create delays and obstacles in the decision-making process, as municipalities navigate this added layer of consideration. Additionally, the power given to the transition board to direct municipalities and local boards to take certain actions, and to modify or terminate agreements, may infringe on their autonomy and ability to govern themselves in the way that they see fit. The immunity granted to members, employees, and agents of the transition board and municipalities may also shield them from accountability and responsibility for their actions.